Before You Sign Anything
How to Compare HVAC Quotes in Surprise, AZ
A $1,000 cheaper quote is often $1,000 cheaper because something is missing — not because the contractor is more efficient. Use this 12-point checklist before you choose.
The most common hidden costs: haul-away of old unit (+$150–$250), refrigerant (+$500–$1,200), permit fees (+$75–$200), thermostat (+$30–$400), and warranty registration (free but only from an authorized dealer). Ask about each one before comparing bottom-line numbers.
The 12-Point Quote Comparison Checklist
Ask every contractor to confirm each item in writing. Bradford includes all 12 in every written estimate.
| What to Check | Bradford | Other Quote |
|---|---|---|
Equipment brand and model number listed A quote that says 'new AC system' without a model number could be for a no-name brand or a discontinued unit. Insist on the exact model — then look it up. | ? | |
SEER2 efficiency rating specified Higher SEER2 = lower electric bills. A 15 SEER2 and an 18 SEER2 can have the same installed price but very different operating costs over 15 years. Know what you're buying. | ? | |
Old unit removal and disposal included Many low quotes don't include haul-away. Disposing of refrigerant and equipment properly costs money — if it's not in the quote, it'll show up on the invoice. | ? | |
All refrigerant included R-454B (the new refrigerant) costs $80–$120/lb. A new system needs 6–10 lbs. Some quotes charge refrigerant separately — that's $500–$1,200 not in the number you're comparing. | ? | |
Thermostat included or itemized A basic thermostat is $30. A Trane TLINK360 (required for variable-speed systems) is $400+. Make sure you know what thermostat is included — or if it's extra. | ? | |
Permit fees included (if required) Maricopa County requires permits on most HVAC replacements. Permit fees run $75–$200. Some contractors skip the permit entirely — which means your install isn't inspected and could void your homeowner's insurance. | ? | |
10-year manufacturer warranty registration included Trane and most brands offer a 5-year base warranty that extends to 10 years if registered by an authorized dealer within 60 days of install. If your contractor isn't an authorized dealer, you get 5 years — not 10. | ? | |
Written 2-year workmanship guarantee Manufacturer warranties cover parts. They don't cover labor if the installation itself was done wrong. A workmanship guarantee means the contractor stands behind their work — not just the equipment. | ? | |
Duct assessment before install Installing a new high-efficiency system on leaky or undersized ducts wastes the efficiency gain and can void the warranty. A contractor who doesn't check your ducts before quoting is guessing. | ? | |
Price is all-in — no add-ons at install Some contractors quote low and add charges at install: 'your line set needed replacing' (+$400), 'we had to add a disconnect' (+$150). Ask specifically: is this the final price barring unforeseen structural issues? | ? | |
Contractor's AZ ROC license number on the quote Arizona requires HVAC contractors to be licensed (ROC). If the quote doesn't list a license number, verify it at roc.az.gov before you sign anything. Unlicensed work is your liability. | ? | |
Financing terms fully disclosed (if financing) 0% financing always has a dealer fee baked into the price — typically 10–16%. Ask: 'what is the cash price vs. the financed price?' If they're the same, someone is eating that fee — or it's hidden. | ? |
Print this checklist or screenshot it before your next HVAC consultation.
Bradford's Promise
30-Day Price Lock Guarantee
Bradford's written estimates are valid for 30 days. The price you see is the price you pay at install — no surprise add-ons, no "we found something extra" charges.
The only exception: if a structural issue is discovered during installation that wasn't visible during the assessment (e.g., rotted wood, code violation from a previous contractor). Bradford discloses this policy upfront — ask any contractor if they do the same.
Price won't change at install
What Bradford quotes is what Bradford charges. Period.
All scope items in writing
Every line item is documented before you sign — no verbal promises.
Ken reviews competing quotes free
Send Ken any quote and he'll tell you exactly what's different — no pressure, no sales pitch.
The Financing Math Most People Miss
On 60-month financing, a $500 price difference is $8.33/month. Here's what that $500 actually buys you with Bradford.
$500
= $8.33/mo on 60-month financing
What you get with Bradford: 10-year Trane warranty vs. 5-year base
$1,000
= $16.67/mo on 60-month financing
What you get with Bradford: Written workmanship guarantee + documented install
$1,500
= $25/mo on 60-month financing
What you get with Bradford: Authorized dealer status + price lock + free second opinion
See Your Exact Monthly Payment
Bradford's online estimator shows cash price, 0% financing, and monthly payment side by side — so you can compare the real cost, not just the sticker price.
💰 GET MY INSTANT QUOTE →Got a Lower Quote? Send It to Ken.
If you have a competing estimate, Ken will review it and tell you exactly what's different — equipment brand, warranty coverage, scope of work, financing terms. No pressure, no sales pitch. If the other quote is genuinely better for your situation, Ken will tell you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why are HVAC quotes so different from each other?
HVAC quotes vary because contractors include different things. One quote might include haul-away, permit, thermostat, and refrigerant. Another might not. The equipment brand and efficiency rating also differ significantly in cost. A $1,000 cheaper quote is often $1,000 cheaper because something is missing — not because the contractor is more efficient.
How do I know if a cheaper HVAC quote is actually a good deal?
Ask the contractor to confirm in writing that their quote includes: the specific model number, all refrigerant, old unit removal, permit fees, thermostat, and a written workmanship guarantee. If any of those are 'extra,' add them back in and compare again. Most cheap quotes become average quotes once you add the missing items.
What is a workmanship guarantee and why does it matter?
A workmanship guarantee covers labor if the installation itself causes a problem — for example, if a refrigerant line wasn't properly brazed and leaks 6 months later. Manufacturer warranties cover parts only. Without a workmanship guarantee, you could pay full labor costs for a problem caused by the original installer.
Does Bradford match competitor quotes?
Bradford doesn't price-match, but Ken will review any competing quote and tell you exactly what's different — at no charge. If the other quote includes the same equipment, same warranty, same scope of work, and is genuinely lower, Ken will tell you honestly. Call or text (623) 624-6246.
What is Bradford's price lock guarantee?
Bradford's written estimates are valid for 30 days and the price won't change at install — no surprise add-ons. The only exception is if a structural issue is discovered during installation that wasn't visible during the assessment (e.g., rotted wood behind a wall). Bradford discloses this upfront.
Get Bradford's exact installed price
See cash price, 0% for 60 months, and monthly payment for your home in Surprise.